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Rangers make initial calls on Hamels, Greinke

Rangers make initial calls on Hamels, Greinke

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ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have scouted both Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke, two pitchers who could be available at the July 31 Trade Deadline. But club sources said the Rangers are not planning at this point to get seriously involved with either pitcher.

The Rangers have had one conversation with each club but both were preliminary in nature. The Phillies and the Brewers are both calling other teams to gauge interest in case they decide to move Hamels or Greinke. Both can become free agents after the season.

The Rangers are more concerned about getting their own starters off the disabled list. Derek Holland was activated on Saturday to pitch against the Twins and Colby Lewis is expected to come off the disabled list immediately after the All-Star break. Neftali Feliz, who is sidelined with a sprained right elbow, is making excellent progress, according to club officials, and could be back by the end of July.

The Rangers' biggest concern right now is Roy Oswalt, who was signed as a free agent at the end of May and is 2-1 with a 7.79 ERA in three starts. Oswalt pitches on Sunday against the Twins and hasn't been particularly impressive to this point.

The Rangers are concerned about what it would take to acquire either Greinke or Hamels. They aren't willing to give up their top prospects in any deal, including pitcher Martin Perez, infielder Jurickson Profar, third baseman Mike Olt or outfielder Leonys Martin.

The Rangers' farm system is still deep enough to compete for any player available at the Trade Deadline. But the Rangers are concerned about the number of teams that will be interested in Greinke and Hamels, and what it would take to acquire them.